State-of-the-Art Beach Ecosystem Management from the Tree of Science Platform

Abstract

A State-of-the-Art of scientific literature related with beach ecosystem management is presented, from utilization of the Tree of Science® tool (ToS). In a search done in November 2016, 75 papers were found in the Web of Science® with the combination of words ‘beach’ and ‘ecosystem management. Papers were classified by ToS in roots (high input degree; n = 8), trunks (high intermediation degree; n = 10) and leaves (high output degree; n = 57). The Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science Journal was the most relevant journal, with 9 articles published (13.3%), which make Elsevier the most relevant publisher in this topic (n = 34; 50%). T.A. Schlacher was the most relevant author with 9 articles in roots, trunks and leaves and participation in nine of papers revised closely followed by A. McLachlan, J. E. Dugan and O. Defeo.

Author affiliation by country shows the United States (n = 99; 30%) in the lead followed by Australia (n = 53; 16%) and Italy (n = 32; 10%). A general overview shows a growing ToS in beach ecosystem management with some very strong references in trunks and leaves, and several other references with less attention to this topic.

Finally, a prospective analysis from branches suggests that the scientific community is researching around five subtopics (Tools towards integrated coastal management, Beach Dynamics, Critical factors affecting the quality of beaches, Certification processes, Ecological Engineering), which could be soon a new ToS in the forest of beach ecosystem management theme.